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Matrix for a vector rotation J.S. Bach, „Die Kunst der Fuge“ Anti-symmetry
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Definition:
An object is symmetric if it is left invariant by a transformation, i.e., cannot
be distinguished before and after transformation.
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Table 1 Point groups of molecules and polyhedra*
Point gr. Sym elements* h*** Point gr. Sym elements* h***
C1 E 1 Ci i 2
Cs σ 2 Cn Cn n
Sn Sn n Cnv Cn, nσv 2n
Cnh Cn, σh 2n Dn Cn, nC2⊥Cn
Dnd Cn, nC2⊥Cn, nσd 4n Dnh Cn, nC2⊥Cn, σh, nσv 4n
C∞v linear no i ∞ D∞h linear with i ∞
T tetrahedral 12 O oktahedral 24
Td 24 Oh (cubic) 48
Th 24
I ikosahedral 60 Kh spherical ∞
Ih 120
* Schoenflies notation, ** Important symmetry elements, *** Order h (number of repetitions)
The point groups of some inorganic and organic compounds and the
schematic representation of the symmetries of some important objects and
polyhedra with their orders (repetitions) n = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and ∞ are shown in
Figs. 2a und 2b.
O F Br Cl Cl
N
S Ph B H
Cl Br H H
Me
C1 CS Cl Ci Br C2 Cl C3v
F H
N O
F F
F F H B
I B
O O
F F N
C4v C2h C3h F D3h
H
Fe F F
Fe Co Co
F F
F
D5h D5d D3 Oh
chiral! C60 Ih
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Fig. 2b Schematic representation of some figures and polyhedra with their
symmetry properties, orders n and point groups
The point group notation after Hermann-Mauguin is given in the part Crystal
Symmetry and Space Groups.
As exercise (find, note and systematize), the symmetry elements and point
groups of some molecules (without electron pairs) are listed in Fig. 3.
A symmetry flow chart is given in Fig. 4.
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Point- Symmetry elements Structure Example
group
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Fig. 4 Symmetry flow chart for the determination of point groups
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Representation/demonstration of symmetry properties
North pole
Equatorial plane =
plane of projection
Reference sphere
of radius 1
Center of projection
South pole
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Fig. 6 Stereographic projection of a tetragonal prism (a) and tetragonal
pyramid (b). The angle coordinates φ = β and δ = α of the planes of the
pyramid are also given.
The plane poles of a crystal mostly are positioned on few great circles. The
corresponding planes belong to so called crystal zones. The zone axis is
oriented perpendicularly to the plane of the respective great circle.
With the help of stereographic projections one can show/demonstrate, point
or plane poles, plane angles, and thus the symmetry properties of molecules,
polyhedra, or crystals.